Battery

ABSTRACT

Before an insulation insertion part and/or an insulating contact part is compressed with a compression force, a first insulating member, a second insulating member, a case lid, and/or an insert-through part create a receiving space which allows the insulation insertion part to deform in a shape that reduces a compression stress acting on the insulation insertion part when the insulation insertion part is compressed and receive a deformed portion thereof, and/or a receiving space which allows an insulating member having the insulating contact part to deform in a shape that reduces a compression stress acting on the insulating contact part when the insulating contact part is compressed and receives the deformed portion thereof.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a battery.

BACKGROUND ART

Patent Document 1 discloses a battery including a box-shaped case bodyhaving an opening, an electrode body enclosed in the case body, aplate-shaped case lid closing the opening of the case body, and anelectrode connecting member having a seat part located inside the casebody, a columnar-shaped insert-through part protruding from an uppersurface of the seat part and penetrating through a through hole of thecase lid to the outside, and an electrode body connecting part extendingfrom a lower surface of the seat part toward a bottom of the case bodyto electrically connect to the electrode body.

This battery further includes a first insulating member having anelectrical insulating property, the first insulating member including afirst interposed part interposed between the seat part and the lowersurface of the case lid, an outer terminal member located outside thecase body and an upper surface side of the case lid to electricallyconnect to the electrode connecting member, a second insulating memberhaving an electrical insulating property and a second interposed partinterposed between the outer terminal member and the upper surface ofthe case lid, and a fixing unit for fixing the second insulating member,case lid, and first insulating member held or clamped under compressionforce between the outer terminal member and the seat part. This fixingunit is constituted of a deformed part continuous with an end of aninsert-through part of the electrode connecting member.

RELATED ART DOCUMENTS Patent Documents

Patent Document 1: JP-A-2012-28246

To be concrete, the first insulating member (a gasket) has a cylindricalinsulating insertion part inserted in the through hole of the case lidto surround the insert-through part of the electrode connecting member.This insulating insertion part is compressed in its axial direction bythe compression force (caulking force) while a distal end of theinsertion part is in contact with the insulating member. This ensureselectric insulation between the case lid and the electrode connectingmember.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

Meanwhile, there is a demand for appropriate sealing between the seatpart and the lower surface of the case lid by making the fixing unit (adeformed part) fix the second insulating member, case lid, and firstinsulating member held between the outer terminal member and the seatpart under compression force, thereby compressing the first interposedpart of the first insulating member.

To ensure insulation between a hole inner peripheral surface definingthe through hole of the case lid and the insert-through part of theelectrode connecting member, it is also demanded to reliably bring thedistal end of the insulating insertion part in contact with the secondinsulating member. For this purpose, as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, aninsulating insertion part 775 is designed to be somewhat long (longerthan the length of a through hole 713 h of a case lid 713) inconsideration of production errors of the case lid 713 and others.

Accordingly, when a second insulating member 780, the case lid 713, anda first insulating member 770 are held between an outer terminal member737 and a seat part 731 and subjected to compression force (compressionforce acting in a vertical direction in FIGS. 30 and 31), the insulatinginsertion part 775 receives much of the compression force (largecompression stress acts on the insulating insertion part 775), and afirst interposed part 771 of the first insulating member 770 could notbe appropriately compressed in some cases.

Specifically, since the length of the insulating insertion part 775 inthe axial direction (the length along an axis AX) is longer than thelength of the through hole 713 h, before application of the compressionforce, a clearance Q is present between a second interposed part 783 ofthe second insulating member 780 and an upper surface 713 p of the caselid 713 (see FIGS. 30 and 31). When the compression force is applied,accordingly, the insulating insertion part 775 is compressed byreceiving the compression force. When this insertion part 775 iscompressed down to the length of the through hole 713 h, the secondinterposed part 783 of the second insulating member 780 comes to contactwith the upper surface 713 p of the case lid 713. After that,accordingly, the first interposed part 771 of the first insulatingmember 770 starts to be compressed through the second interposed part783 and the case lid 713.

However, before the length of the insulating insertion part 775 becomesequal to the length of the through hole 713 h, the insertion part 775 isin a state subjected to large compression stress (thereby generatinglarge reaction force), the insertion part 775 could not be furthercompressed by the compression force (caulking force). Thus, the firstinterposed part 771 of the first insulating member 770 could not becompressed appropriately, which might cause insufficient sealing betweenthe seat part 731 and the case lid 713. If the compression force is setlarger to further compress the insulating insertion part 775 (to therebyappropriately compress the first interposed part 771 of the firstinsulating member 770), it may cause undesired deformation of the caselid 713 and others. Thus, this is not preferable.

Further, a portion of the second insulating member 780, referred to asan insulating contact part 783 f, that contacts with the distal end ofthe insulating insertion part 775 is apt to receive much of thecompression force (the compression stress acting on the insulatingcontact part 783 f increases) and thus the first interposed part 771 ofthe first insulating member 770 could not be appropriately compressed insome cases. For instance, when the contact part 783 f is to becompressed to bring the second interposed part 783 of the secondinsulating member 780 in contact (close contact) with the upper surface713 p of the case lid 713 and also the first interposed part 771 of thefirst insulating member 770 is to be compressed through the secondinterposed part 783 and the case lid 713, in some cases, the insulatingcontact part 783 f comes to a state subjected to large compressionstress (thereby generating large reaction force) before the secondinterposed part 783 comes to close contact with the upper surface 713 pof the case lid 713 and the first interposed part 771 undergoescompression stress, and thus the insulating contact part 783 f could notbe compressed any more by the compression force (caulking force).

Even when an insulating insertion part is provided in a secondinsulating member and a distal end of this insertion part is held incontact with a first insulating member to insulate between a hole innerperipheral surface defining a through hole of a case lid and aninsert-through part of an electrode connecting member, there is apossibility that appropriate insulation could not be provided between aseat part and the case lid as in the case where the insertion part isprovided in the first insulating member as mentioned above. Furthermore,even when it is configured to provide sealing between the outer terminalmember and the upper surface of the case lid in addition to or insteadof sealing between the seat part and the lower surface of the case lid,this sealing between the outer terminal member and the upper surface ofthe case lid could not be appropriately achieved for the same reason.

Consequently, in order to appropriately enable at least one of sealingbetween the seat part of the electrode connecting member and the lowersurface of the case lid and sealing between the outer terminal memberand the upper surface of the case lid while ensuring insulation betweenthe hole inner peripheral surface defining the through hole of the caselid and the insert-through part of the electrode connecting member,there has been a demand for reduction in compression stress that willact on at least one of the insulating insertion part and the insulatingcontact part while holding the distal end of the insertion part providedin at least one of the first insulating member and the second insulatingmember into contact with the other insulating member.

The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances and hasa purpose to provide a battery configured with reduced compressionstress acting on at least one of an insulating insertion part, providedin at least one of a first insulating member and a second insulatingmember, and an insulating contact part while bringing a distal end ofthe insulating insertion part into contact with an insulating contactpart of the other insulating member.

MEANS OF SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

To achieve the above purpose, one aspect of the invention provides abattery including: a box-shaped case body having an opening; anelectrode body enclosed in the case body; a plate-shaped case lidclosing the opening of the case body; an electrode connecting memberincluding a seat part located in the case body, an insert-through parthaving a columnar shape protruding from an upper surface of the seatpart and extending through a through hole formed in the case lid tooutside, and an electrode body connecting part extending from a lowersurface of the seat part toward a bottom of the case body, andconfigured to electrically connect to the electrode; a first insulatingmember having an electrically insulating property and including a firstinterposed part interposed between the upper surface of the seat partand a lower surface of the case lid; an outer terminal member locatedoutside the case body and on an upper surface side of the case lid, andconfigured to electrically connect to the electrode connecting member; asecond insulating member having an electrically insulating property andincluding a second interposed part interposed between the outer terminalmember and the upper surface of the case lid; and a fixing unit to fixthe second insulating member, the case lid, and the first insulatingmember held under compression force between the outer terminal memberand the seat part, wherein one of the first insulating member and thesecond insulating member includes an insulating insertion part having acylindrical shape and being inserted in the through hole of the case lidto surround the insert-through part of the electrode connecting member,the insulating insertion part having a distal end held in contact withan insulating contact part of the other insulating member, at least oneof the insulating insertion part and the insulating contact part is in acompressed state by the compression force in an axial direction of theinsulating insertion part, before at least one of the insulatinginsertion part and the insulating contact part is compressed by thecompression force, at least one of the first insulating member, thesecond insulating member, the case lid, and the insert-through partprovides at least either one of a receiving space allowing theinsulating insertion part to be deformed into a shape that reducescompression stress acting on the insulating insertion part when theinsulating insertion part is compressed and receiving a resultantdeformed portion and a receiving space allowing the insulating memberincluding the insulating contact part to be deformed into a shape thatreduces compression stress acting on the insulating contact part whenthe insulating contact part is compressed and receiving a resultantdeformed portion, and the deformed portion of at least one of theinsulating insertion part and the insulating contact part compressed bythe compression force is received in the receiving space.

In the aforementioned battery, one of the first insulating member andthe second insulating member includes the insulating insertion partinserted in the through hole of the case lid to surround theinsert-through part of the electrode connecting member while the distalend of the insulating insertion part is in contact with the otherinsulating member. This can ensure insulation between the hole innerperipheral surface defining the through hole of the case lid and theinsert-through part of the electrode connecting member.

In the above battery, furthermore, before (just before) at least one ofthe insulating insertion part and the insulating contact part(corresponding to a portion of the insulating member having noinsulating insertion part and contacting with the distal end of theinsulating insertion part) is compressed (that is, just before thesecond insulating member, the case lid, and the first insulating memberare subjected to compression force while they are held between the outerterminal member and the seat part during manufacture of the battery), atleast one of the first insulating member, the second insulating member,the case lid, and the insert-through part provides at least either oneof a “receiving space allowing the insulating insertion part to bedeformed into a shape that reduces the compression stress acting on theinsulating insertion part (compression force applied to the insulatinginsertion part) when the insulating insertion part is compressed andreceiving a resultant deformed portion” and a “receiving space allowingthe insulating member having the insulating contact part (one of thefirst insulating member and the second insulating member, the oneinsulating member having the insulating contact part) to be deformedinto a shape that reduces the compression stress acting on theinsulating contact part when the insulating contact part is compressedand receiving a resultant deformed portion”.

Accordingly, the aforementioned battery is obtained as a battery inwhich at least one of the insulating insertion part and the insulatingcontact part is in a compressed state by the compression force and theresultant deformed portion is received or housed in the receiving space.To be concrete, when the receiving space is configured to allow theinsulating insertion part to be deformed into a shape that reduces thecompression stress acting on the insulating insertion part and receivethe deformed portion, the battery is arranged so that the deformedportion (part of the insulating insertion part) is received in thereceiving space while at least the insulating insertion part iscompressed by the compression force. Alternately, when the receivingspace is configured to allow the insulating member having the insulatingcontact part to be deformed into a shape that reduces the compressionstress acting on the insulating contact part and receive the deformedportion, the battery is arranged so that the deformed portion (part ofthe insulating member having the insulating contact part) is received inthe receiving space while at least the insulating contact part iscompressed by the compression force.

When the deformed portion, i.e., part of the insulating insertion part,is received in the receiving space, the compression stress acting on theinsulating insertion part can be reduced accordingly. When the deformedportion, i.e., part of the insulating member having the insulatingcontact part, is received in the receiving space, the compression stressacting on the insulating contact part can be reduced accordingly.

Consequently, the first interposed part interposed between the seat partand the case lid can be appropriately subjected to compression force.Specifically, the first interposed part can be held and compressedbetween the seat part and the case lid and thus placed in close contactwith the seat part and the case lid. This enables appropriate sealingbetween the seat part and the case lid. Furthermore, the secondinterposed part interposed between the outer terminal member and thecase lid can also be appropriately subjected to the compression force.Specifically, the second interposed part can be held and compressedbetween the outer terminal member and the case lid and thus placed inclose contact with the outer terminal member and the case lid. Thisenables appropriate sealing between the outer terminal member and thecase lid.

It is to be noted that when both the receiving space that receives partof the insulating insertion part (the deformed portion) and thereceiving space that receives part of the insulating member having theinsulating contact part (the deformed portion) are provided, they may beformed separately (at different places) or integrally (as a singlereceiving space).

In a case of providing the receiving space that receives part of theinsulating insertion part (the deformed portion), this receiving spacemay be formed as a single receiving space or a plurality of receivingspaces. In a case of providing the receiving space that receives part ofthe insulating member having the insulating contact part (the deformedportion), this receiving space also may be formed as a single receivingspace or a plurality of receiving spaces.

As the fixing unit, for example, there is a deformed part continuouswith the distal end (the upper end) of the insert-through part of theelectrode connecting member. In this case, the fixing unit is includedin the electrode connecting member. This deformed part has for example acolumnar shape before being deformed or caulked. When it is to bedeformed, the deformed part is inserted, from its distal end, into thethrough hole of the first insulating member, the through hole of thecase lid, the through hole of the second insulating member, and thethrough hole of the outer terminal member in this order, and crusheddownward (toward the seat part) and deformed into a circular disk shape,thereby pressing the outer terminal member downward (toward the seatpart). This makes it possible to fix the second insulating member, thecase lid, and the first insulating member held under the compressionforce between the outer terminal member and the seat part.

As another fixing unit, for example, there is a fastening bolt includinga head portion and a shaft portion formed with external screw threads.In this case, the insert-through part of the electrode connecting memberincludes a cylindrical distal end portion formed with internal screwthreads engageable with the external screw threads of the bolt. To beconcrete, for example, the insert-through part is inserted, from itsdistal end, into the through hole of the first insulating member, thethrough hole of the case lid, the through hole of the second insulatingmember, and the through hole of the outer terminal member in this order,and the external screw threads of the fixing bolt are threadedly engagedwith the internal screw threads of the insert-through part and therebythe head portion of the fixing bolt presses the outer terminal memberdownwards (toward the seat part). Accordingly, the second insulatingmember, the case lid, and the first insulating member can be fixed whilethey are held under the compression force between the outer terminalmember and the seat part.

Still another fixing unit may be for example a welded part formed bywelding the insert-through part of the electrode connecting member andthe outer terminal member. To be concrete, for example, theinsert-through part is inserted, from its distal end, into the throughhole of the first insulating member, the through hole of the case lid,the through hole of the second insulating member, and the through holeof the outer terminal member in this order, and the insert-through partof the electrode connecting member and the outer terminal member arewelded, so that the second insulating member, the case lid, and thefirst insulating member are fixed while they are held under compressionforce between the outer terminal member and the seat part.

In the aforementioned battery, preferably, the insulating insertion partbefore compressed by the compression force has an outer peripheralsurface including an outer tapered surface having a diameter decreasingtoward the distal end of the insulating insertion part, before theinsulating insertion part is compressed, the receiving space is formedbetween the outer tapered surface and a hole inner peripheral surfacedefining the through hole of the case lid, to allow the insulatinginsertion part to be deformed into a shape that reduces the compressionstress acting on the insulating insertion part when the insulatinginsertion part is compressed and receive a resultant deformed portion,and a portion including the outer tapered surface, of the insulatinginsertion part compressed by the compression force, is deformed towardand received in the receiving space.

Before compression, the insulating insertion part constituting theaforementioned battery has the outer peripheral surface including theouter tapered surface that decreases in diameter toward the distal endof the insulating insertion part, so that the receiving space is formedbetween the outer tapered surface and the hole inner peripheral surfacedefining the through hole of the case lid. Accordingly, when theinsulating insertion part is compressed by the compression force, aportion including the outer tapered surface (part of the portion), ofthe insulating insertion part, is deformed toward the receiving space(that is, in a direction to escape from the compression force, i.e., ina direction to reduce the compression stress acting on the portion) andreceived in the receiving space.

Consequently, the aforementioned battery is configured such that theportion having the outer tapered surface (part of the portion), of theinsulating insertion part, is deformed toward the receiving space (thatis, in a direction to escape from the compression force, i.e., in adirection to reduce the compression stress acting thereon) and receivedin the receiving space. The aforementioned battery is thus obtained as abattery with reduced compression stress acting on the insulatinginsertion part.

The outer tapered surface has only to be configured such that the outerperipheral surface of the insulating insertion part has a diameterdecreasing toward the distal end of the insulating insertion part. Thisis not limited to the shape with a straight generating line (a profileline appearing along the outer tapered surface in a cross section takenalong an axis of the insulating insertion part) but may be the shapewith a curved generating line.

In one of the aforementioned batteries, further preferably, theinsulating insertion part before compressed by the compression force hasan inner peripheral surface including an inner tapered surface having adiameter increasing toward the distal end of the insulating insertionpart, before the insulating insertion part is compressed, the receivingspace is formed between the inner tapered surface and the insert-throughpart of the electrode connecting member to allow the insulatinginsertion part to be deformed into a shape that reduces the compressionstress acting on the insulating insertion part when the insulatinginsertion part is compressed and receive a resultant deformed portion,and a portion including the inner tapered surface, of the insulatinginsertion part compressed by the compression force, is deformed towardand received in the receiving space.

Before compression, the insulating insertion part constituting theaforementioned battery has the inner peripheral surface including theinner tapered surface that increases in diameter toward the distal endof the insulating insertion part, so that the receiving space is formedbetween the inner tapered surface and the insert-through part of theelectrode connecting member. Accordingly, when the insulating insertionpart is compressed by the compression force, a portion including theinner tapered surface (part of the portion), of the insulating insertionpart, is deformed toward the receiving space (that is, in a direction toescape from the compression force, i.e., in a direction to reduce thecompression stress acting thereon) and received in the receiving space.

Consequently, the aforementioned battery is configured such that theportion including the inner tapered surface (part of the portion), ofthe insulating insertion part, is deformed toward the receiving space(that is, in a direction to escape from the compression force, i.e., ina direction to reduce the compression stress acting thereon) andreceived in the receiving space. The aforementioned battery is thusobtained as a battery with reduced compression stress acting on theinsulating insertion part.

The inner tapered surface has only to be configured such that the innerperipheral surface of the insulating insertion part has a diameterincreasing toward the distal end of the insulating insertion part. Thisis not limited to the shape with a straight generating line (a profileline appearing along the inner tapered surface in a cross section takenalong an axis of the insulating insertion part) but may be the shapewith a curved generating line.

In one of the aforementioned batteries, preferably, a hole innerperipheral surface defining the through hole of the case lid includes ahole tapered surface having a diameter increasing toward the uppersurface of the case lid, before the insulating insertion part iscompressed, the receiving space is formed between the hole taperedsurface and the outer peripheral surface of the insulating insertionpart to allow the insulating insertion part to be deformed into a shapethat reduces the compression stress acting on the insulating insertionpart when the insulating insertion part is compressed and receive aresultant deformed portions, and a portion of the insulating insertionpart compressed by the compression force is deformed toward and receivedin the receiving space.

Before the insulating insertion part is compressed, the case lid and theinsulating insertion part of the aforementioned battery create thereceiving space between the hole tapered surface of the case lid and theouter peripheral surface of the insulating insertion part. When theinsulating insertion part is compressed by the compression force,accordingly, part of the insulating insertion part (a portion adjacentto the receiving space) is deformed toward the receiving space (that is,in a direction to escape from the compression force, i.e., in adirection to reduce the compression stress acting thereon) and receivedin the receiving space.

Consequently, the aforementioned battery is configured such that theportion of the insulating insertion part (the portion adjacent to thereceiving space) is deformed toward the receiving space (that is, in adirection to escape from the compression force, i.e., in a direction toreduce the compression stress acting thereon) and received in thereceiving space. The aforementioned battery is thus obtained as abattery with reduced compression stress acting on the insulatinginsertion part.

The hole tapered surface has only to be configured to have a diameterincreasing toward the upper surface of the case lid and is not limitedto the shape with a straight generating line (a profile line appearingalong the hole tapered surface in a cross section of the case lid takenalong an axis of the through hole) but may be the shape with a curvedgenerating line.

In one of the aforementioned batteries, further preferably, an outerperipheral surface of the insert-through part of the connecting memberincludes an insert-through recess recessed radially inward, theinsert-through recess forms the receiving space allowing the insulatinginsertion part to be deformed into a shape that reduces the compressionstress acting on the insulating insertion part when the insulatinginsertion part is compressed and receiving a resultant deformed portion,and a portion of the insulating insertion part compressed by thecompression force is deformed toward and received in the insert-throughrecess.

The electrode connecting member of the aforementioned battery includesthe insert-through recess radially inward recessed in the outerperipheral surface of the insert-through part. This recess defines thereceiving space. Accordingly, when the insulating insertion part iscompressed by the compression force, part of the insulating insertionpart (a portion adjacent to the recess) is deformed toward the recess(that is, in a direction to escapes from the compression force, i.e., ina direction to reduce the compression stress acting thereon) andreceived in the recess.

Consequently, the aforementioned battery is configured such that part ofthe insulating insertion part (a portion adjacent to the recess) isdeformed toward the recess (that is, in a direction to escapes from thecompression force, i.e., in a direction to reduce the compression stressacting thereon) and received in the recess. The aforementioned batteryis thus obtained as a battery with reduced compression stress acting onthe insulating insertion part.

The insert-through recess has only to be configured to be radiallyinward recessed in the outer peripheral surface of the insert-throughpart. The recessed shape (a profile line appearing along theinsert-recess in a cross section taken along an axis of theinsert-through part) may be any shape. For example, the recessed shapemay be rectangular, circular-arc, and others.

In one of the aforementioned batteries, further preferably, one of thefirst insulating member and the second insulating member, which does notinclude the insulating insertion part, has a facing surface that facesthe distal end of the insulating insertion part in the axial direction,the facing surface including an insulating recess recessed in the axialdirection before the insulating insertion part is compressed, before theinsulating insertion part is compressed, the insulating recess forms thereceiving space allowing the insulating insertion part to be deformedinto a shape that reduces the compression stress acting on theinsulating insertion part when the insulating insertion part iscompressed and receiving a resultant deformed portion, and the distalend of the insulating insertion part compressed by the compression forceis deformed toward and received in the insulating recess.

Before the insulating insertion part is compressed, in one of the firstinsulating member and the second insulating member of the aforementionedbattery, the one having no insulating insertion part, the facing surfacethat faces the distal end of the insulating insertion part in the axialdirection includes the insulating recess recessed in the axial direction(in part of the facing surface). This insulating recess defines thereceiving space. Accordingly, when the insulating insertion part iscompressed by the compression force, the distal end of the insulatinginsertion part is deformed toward the insulating recess (that is, in adirection to escape from the compression force, i.e., in a direction toreduce the compression stress acting thereon) and received in therecess.

Consequently, the aforementioned battery is configured such that thedistal end of the insulating insertion part when compressed by thecompression force is deformed toward the insulating recess (that is, ina direction to escape from the compression force, i.e., in a directionto reduce the compression stress acting thereon) and received in theinsulating recess. The aforementioned battery is thus obtained as abattery with reduced compression stress acting on the insulatinginsertion part.

The insulating recess has only to be configured to be recessed in thefacing surface in the axial direction of the insulating insertion part.The recessed shape (a profile line appearing along the insulating recessin a cross section taken along an axis of the insulating insertion part)may be any shape. For example, the recessed shape may be rectangular,circular-arc, and others.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a vertical cross sectional view of a battery in Example 1;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a section B and a section C in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a section E in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a terminal-attached lid memberin Example 1;

FIG. 5 is a view of the same section as in FIG. 2, showing a state justbefore a deformed part is deformed by caulking (riveting);

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a section D in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an electrode body in Example 1;

FIG. 8 is a view of a positive electrode sheet constituting theelectrode body;

FIG. 9 is a view of a negative electrode sheet constituting theelectrode body;

FIG. 10 is a view to explain a process of forming the electrode body;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of a method for manufacturing thebattery in example 1;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the same section as in FIG. 2 in abattery in Example 2;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a section Gin FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a view of the same section as in FIG. 12, showing a statejust before a deformed part is deformed by caulking (riveting);

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of a section H in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the same section as in FIG. 2 in abattery in Example 3;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of a section I in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a view of the same section as in FIG. 16, showing a statejust before a deformed part is deformed by caulking (riveting);

FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of a section J in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of the same section as in FIG. 2 in abattery in Example 4;

FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of a section K in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a view of the same section as in FIG. 20, showing a statejust before a deformed part is deformed by caulking (riveting);

FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of a section L in FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of the same section as in FIG. 2 in abattery in Example 5;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of a section M in FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a view of the same section as in FIG. 24, showing a statejust before a deformed part is deformed by caulking (riveting);

FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of a section N in FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of the same section as in FIG. 2 to explaina battery in a first modified example;

FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of the same section as in FIG. 2 to explaina battery in a second modified example;

FIG. 30 is an explanatory view of a conventional art; and

FIG. 31 is an enlarged view of a section F in FIG. 30.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Example 1

A detailed description of Example 1 of the present invention will now begiven referring to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a crosssectional view of a battery 100 in Example 1. FIG. 2 is an enlarged viewof a section B and a section C in FIG. 1. Different parts or componentsin the section C from those in the section B are assigned withparenthesized reference signs in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of asection E in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of part of alid member 115 attached with terminals (terminal-attached lid member) inExample 1.

The battery 100 in Example 1 is, as shown in FIG. 1, a lithium ionsecondary battery that includes a case body 111 of a rectangular boxshape having an opening 111 d, and an electrode body 150 enclosed in thecase body 111. The battery 100 further includes a plate-shaped case lid113 that closes the opening 111 d of the case body 111. The case body111 and the case lid 113 are integrally welded to each other, forming abattery case 110.

The case lid 113 has a rectangular plate-like shape and is formed withcircular through holes 113 h, 113 k each penetrating through the caselid 113 in positions near both ends in a long-side direction (a lateraldirection in FIG. 1). The case lid 113 is further provided, at itscenter in the long-side direction, with a safety valve 113 j. Thissafety valve 113 j is formed integral with the case lid 113 toconstitute a part of the case lid 113.

The safety valve 113 j is formed to be thinner than other portions ofthe case lid 113 and is formed, on its upper surface, with a groove 113jv (see FIG. 4). Accordingly, the safety valve 113 j operates when theinternal pressure of the battery case 110 reaches a predeterminedpressure. Specifically, the groove 113 jv ruptures when the internalpressure reaches the predetermined pressure, thereby allowing gas in thebattery case 110 to release out.

The case lid 113 is formed, between the safety valve 113 j and thethrough hole 113 k, with a liquid inlet 113 n (see FIG. 1) through whichelectrolyte (not shown) is injected into the battery case 110. Thisliquid inlet 113 n is sealed with a plug 113 m.

The battery 100 further includes electrode terminal members (a positiveterminal member 130 and a negative terminal member 140) each of which isconnected to the electrode body 150 inside the case body 111 and extendsout through respective through holes 113 h and 113 k of the case lid113.

The positive terminal member 130 consists of a positive connectingmember 135, a positive outer terminal member 137, and a positivefastening member (bolt) 139 (see FIGS. 1 and 4). The connecting member135 is made of metal and connected to the electrode body 150 and extendsout through the through hole 113 h of the case lid 113. The outerterminal member 137 is made of metal and located on the case lid 113,that is, outside the battery case 110, and is electrically connected tothe connecting member 135 outside the battery case 110. The fasteningmember 139 is made of metal and located on the case lid 113, that is,outside the battery case 110, and is electrically connected orconnectable to the outer terminal member 137.

In details, the positive connecting member 135 includes a seat part 131,an insert-through part 132, an electrode body connecting part 134, and adeformed part 133 (see FIGS. 1 to 4). The seat part 131 has arectangular plate-like shape and is located in the case body 111. Theinsert-through part 132 has a columnar shape protruding from an uppersurface 131 f of the seat part 131 and is inserted through the throughhole 113 h of the case lid 113 to the outside of the battery case 110(case body 111). The deformed part 133 is a portion continuous with anupper end of the insert-through part 132 and is deformed by caulking(riveting) (deformed to extend in diameter) into a circular disk shape,and thus electrically connected to the positive outer terminal member137. The connecting part 134 is shaped to extend from a lower surface131 b of the seat part 131 toward a bottom 111 b of the case body 111and is bonded to a positive mixture layer uncoated portion 151 b of theelectrode body 150. Thus, the positive connecting member 135 and theelectrode body 150 are electrically and mechanically connected to eachother.

The positive outer terminal member 137 is made of a metal plate and hasa nearly Z shape in side view. This outer terminal member 137 includes afixed part 137 f fixed by the deformed part 133, a connection part 137 gconnected to the fastening member 139, and a joint part 137 h joiningthe fixed part 137 f and the connection part 137 g. The fixed part 137 fis formed with a through hole 137 b penetrating therethrough. In thisthrough hole 137 b, the insert-through part 132 of the positiveconnecting member 135 is inserted. The connection part 137 g is alsoformed with a through hole 137 c penetrating therethrough.

The positive fastening member 139 is a metal bolt including arectangular plate-shaped head portion 139 b and a columnar shaft portion139 c. The shaft portion 139 c includes a distal end portion formed withscrew threads 139 d. The shaft portion 139 c of the fastening member 139is inserted in the through hole 137 c of the positive outer terminalmember 137.

The negative terminal member 140 consists of a negative connectingmember 145, a negative outer terminal member 147, and a negativefastening member 149 (bolt) (see FIGS. 1 and 4). The connecting member145 is made of metal and connected to the electrode body 150 and alsoextends out through the through hole 113 k of the case lid 113. Theouter terminal member 147 is made of metal and located on the case lid113, that is, outside the battery case 110, and is electricallyconnected to the connecting member 145 outside the battery case 110. Thefastening member 149 is made of metal and located on the case lid 113,that is, outside the battery case 110, and is electrically connected orconnectable to the outer terminal member 147.

In details, the negative connecting member 145 includes a seat part 141,an insert-through part 142, an electrode body connecting part 144, and adeformed part 143 (see FIGS. 1 to 4). The seat part 141 has arectangular plate-like shape and is located in the case body 111. Theinsert-through part 142 has a columnar shape protruding from an uppersurface 141 f of the seat part 141 and is inserted through the throughhole 113 k of the case lid 113. The deformed part 143 is a portioncontinuous with an upper end of the insert-through part 142 and isriveted (deformed to extend in diameter) into a circular disk shape, andthus electrically connected to the negative outer terminal member 147.The connecting part 144 is shaped to extend from a lower surface 141 bof the seat part 141 toward the bottom 111 b of the case body 111 and isbonded to a negative mixture layer uncoated portion 158 b of theelectrode body 150. Thus, the negative connecting member 145 and theelectrode body 150 are electrically and mechanically connected to eachother. The positive connecting member 135 and the negative connectingmember 145 correspond to an electrode connecting member recited inclaims.

The negative outer terminal member 147 is made of a metal plate and hasa nearly Z shape in side view. This outer terminal member 147 includes afixed part 147 f fixed by the deformed part 143, a connection part 147 gconnected to the fastening member 139, and a joint part 147 h joiningthe fixed part 147 f and the connection part 147 g. The fixed part 147 fis formed with a through hole 147 b penetrating therethrough. In thisthrough hole 147 b, the insert-through part 142 of the negativeconnecting member 145 is inserted. The connection part 147 g is alsoformed with a through hole 147 c penetrating therethrough. The positiveouter terminal member 137 and the negative outer terminal member 147correspond to an outer terminal member recited in claims.

The negative fastening member 149 is a metal bolt including arectangular plate-shaped head portion 149 b and a columnar shaft portion149 c. The shaft portion 149 c includes a distal end portion formed withscrew threads 149 d. The shaft portion 149 c of the fastening member 149is inserted in the through hole 147 c of the negative outer terminalmember 147.

The battery 100 further includes a first insulating member 170interposed between the positive terminal member 130 (i.e., the positiveconnecting member 135) and the case lid 113 to electrically insulatethem from each other. Another first insulating member 170 is alsointerposed between the negative terminal member 140 (i.e., the negativeconnecting member 145) and the case lid 113.

To be concrete, each first insulating member 170 is made of electricallyinsulating and elastically deformable resin and includes a firstinterposed part 171, an insulating side wall 173, and an insulatinginsertion part 175 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). The first interposed part 171has a flat plate-like shape formed, at its center, with a circularthrough hole 171 b in which the insert-through part 132 (insert-throughpart 142) of the positive terminal member 130 (negative terminal member140) is inserted. This first interposed part 171 is interposed betweenthe upper surface 131 f (upper surface 141 f) of the seat part 131 (seatpart 141) of the positive terminal member 130 (negative terminal member140) and the lower surface 113 b of the case lid 113 (in details, thelower surface 113 b within a recess 113 c, 113 d mentioned later) of thecase lid 113.

The insulating side wall 173 is a rectangular annular side wall locatedon a peripheral edge of the first interposed part 171. This side wall173 surrounds an outer peripheral surface 131 g (outer peripheralsurface 141 g) of the seat part 131 (seat part 141).

The insulating insertion part 175 has a cylindrical shape protrudingfrom an upper surface 171 f of the first interposed part 171. Thisinsertion part 175 is inserted through the through hole 113 h (throughhole 113 k) of the case lid 113 so as to surround the insert-throughpart 132 (insert-through part 142) of the positive connecting member 135(negative connecting member 145), and is compressed in an axialdirection (in a direction along the axis AX). The axial length of theinsertion part 175 before compressed is longer than the length (depth)of the through hole 113 h (through hole 113 k) as shown in FIG. 5.

The battery 100 further includes a second insulating member 180 made ofelectrically insulating resin and placed on the case lid 113. Thissecond insulating member 180 is interposed between the positive terminalmember 130 (concretely, the positive outer terminal member 137 and thepositive fastening member 139) and upper surface 113 p of the case lid113 to electrically insulate them from each other. Another secondinsulating member 180 is also interposed between the negative terminalmember 140 (concretely, the negative outer terminal member 147 and thenegative fastening member 149) and the case lid 113.

Specifically, each second insulating member 180 includes a head portionplacing part 181 in which the head portion 139 b of the positivefastening member 139 (head portion 149 b of the negative fasteningmember 149) is placed, and a second interposed part 183 interposedbetween the positive outer terminal member 137 and the upper surface 113p of the case lid 113. On this second interposed part 183, the fixedpart 137 f of the positive outer terminal member 137 (fixed part 147 fof the negative outer terminal member 147) is placed. The secondinterposed part 183 is formed with a through hole 183 b penetratingtherethrough. In this through hole 183 b, the insert-through part 132 ofthe positive terminal member 130 (insert-through part 142 of thenegative terminal member 140) is inserted.

In Example 1, the deformed part 133 of the positive terminal member 130fixes the second insulating member 180, the case lid 113, and the firstinsulating member 170 held under compression force between the positiveouter terminal member 137 and the seat part 131 (see FIG. 2). In Example1, the first insulating member 170 (insulating insertion part 175) ismade of resin that is more deformable by compression (softer) in anaxial direction than the second insulating member 180.

This deformed part 133 has a columnar shape before being deformed bycaulking (riveting) (see FIG. 5). When it is to be deformed by caulking,firstly, the deformed part 133 and the insert-through part 132 areinserted, from their distal ends, into the through hole 171 b of thefirst insulating member 170, the through hole 113 h of the case lid 113,the through hole 183 b of the second insulating member 180, and thethrough hole 137 b of the positive outer terminal member 137 in thisorder. In this state, successively, the deformed part 133 is deformed bycaulking or riveting, thereby pressing the positive outer terminalmember 137 downward (toward the seat part 131). To be concretely, thedeformed part 133 is crushed downward (toward the seat part 131) anddeformed into a circular disk shape, thereby pressing the positive outerterminal member 137 downward (toward the seat part 131).

Accordingly, the second insulating member 180, the case lid 113, and thefirst insulating member 170 can be fixed while they are held or clampedunder compression force between the positive outer terminal member 137and the seat part 131. At that time, the insulating insertion part 175of the first insulating member 170 is elastically compressed in its ownaxial direction (a vertical direction in FIG. 2) by the compressionforce while a distal end 175 b of the insertion part 175 is in contact(close contact) with the second insulating member 180 (second interposedpart 183).

The deformed part 143 of the negative terminal member 140 fixes thesecond insulating member 180, the case lid 113, and the first insulatingmember 170 held under compression force between the negative outerterminal member 147 and the seat part 141 (see FIG. 2). The deformedparts 133, 143 correspond to a fixing unit recited in claims.

This deformed part 143 also has a columnar shape before being deformedby caulking (riveting) (see FIG. 5). When it is to be deformed bycaulking, firstly, the deformed part 143 and the insert-through part 142are inserted, from their distal ends, into the through hole 171 b of thefirst insulating member 170, the through hole 113 k of the case lid 113,the through hole 183 b of the second insulating member 180, and thethrough hole 147 b of the negative outer terminal member 147 in thisorder. In this state, successively, the deformed part 143 is deformed bycaulking or riveting, thereby pressing the negative outer terminalmember 147 downward (toward the seat part 141). To be concretely, thedeformed part 143 is crushed downward (toward the seat part 141) anddeformed into a circular disk shape, thereby pressing the negative outerterminal member 147 downward (toward the seat part 141).

Accordingly, the second insulating member 180, the case lid 113, and thefirst insulating member 170 can be fixed while they are held or clampedunder compression force between the negative outer terminal member 147and the seat part 141. At that time, the insulating insertion part 175of the first insulating member 170 is elastically compressed in its ownaxial direction (vertical direction in FIG. 2) by the compression forcewhile a distal end 175 b of the insulating insertion part 175 is incontact (close contact) with the second insulating member 180 (secondinterposed part 183).

In Example 1, since the deformed parts 133, 143 are deformed by caulking(riveting) as described above, the case lid 113, the positive terminalmember 130, the negative terminal member 140, the first insulatingmembers 170, 170, and the second insulating members 180, 180 are madeintegral, constituting the terminal-attached lid member 115.

The electrode body 150 is a wound electrode body of a flattened shape,in which a strip-shaped positive electrode sheet 155, a strip-shapednegative electrode sheet 156, and separators 157 are wound together intoa flattened shape (see FIGS. 7 to 10). The positive electrode sheet 155includes a strip-shaped positive substrate 151 being made of an aluminumfoil and extending in a longitudinal direction DA, and positiveelectrode mixture layers 152 each placed on part of each surface of thesubstrate 151 as shown in FIG. 8. The positive electrode mixture layer152 contains positive active material 153, electrically conductivematerial made of acetylene black, and PVDF (binder).

Of the positive substrate 151, a portion coated with the positiveelectrode mixture layers 152 is referred to as a positive mixture layercoated portion 151 c, while a portion not coated with the positiveelectrode mixture layer 152 is referred to as a positive mixture layeruncoated portion 151 b. This uncoated portion 151 b is located at oneend (a left end in FIG. 8) of the substrate 151 (positive electrodesheet 155) in a width direction DB (a lateral direction in FIG. 8) andextends along one long side of the substrate 151 (positive electrodesheet 155) in a strip shape extending in the longitudinal direction DAof the substrate 151 (positive electrode sheet 155).

The negative electrode sheet 156 includes a strip-shaped negativesubstrate 158 being formed of a copper foil and extending in thelongitudinal direction DA, and negative electrode mixture layers 159each placed on part of each surface of the substrate 158 as shown inFIG. 9. The negative electrode mixture layer 159 contains negativeactive material 154, SBR (binder), and CMC (thickener).

Of the negative substrate 158, a portion coated with the negativeelectrode mixture layers 159 is referred to as a negative mixture layercoated portion 158 c, while a portion uncoated with the negativeelectrode mixture layer 159 is referred to as a negative mixture layeruncoated portion 158 b. This uncoated portion 158 b extends along onelong side of the substrate 158 (negative electrode sheet 156) in a stripshape extending in the longitudinal direction DA of the substrate 158(negative electrode sheet 156), that is, in the vertical direction inFIG. 9.

Meanwhile, in the battery 100 in Example 1, each first insulating member170 includes the insulating insertion part 175 inserted in the throughhole 113 h (through hole 113 k) of the case lid 113 to surround theinsert-through part 132 (insert-through part 142) of the positiveconnecting member 135 (negative connecting member 145). In addition,this insertion part 175 is in an elastically compressed state in itsaxial direction (the vertical direction in FIG. 2) while the distal end175 b is held in contact (close contact) with the second insulatingmember 180 (second interposed part 183). The insertion part 175 canensure insulation between a hole inner peripheral surface 113 r (113 s)defining the through hole 113 h (through hole 113 k) of the case lid 113and the insert-through part 132 (insert-through part 142) of thepositive connecting member 135 (negative connecting member 145).

In the battery 100 in Example 1, furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3,while the insulating insertion part 175 is in a compressed state by thecompression force, part of the insulating insertion part 175 deformed bythe compression force (a deformed portion 175 d, see FIG. 3) is receivedin a receiving space R1. Since part of the insertion part 175 (deformedportion 175 d) enters in the receiving space R1, the compression stressacting on the insertion part 175 is reduced.

To be concrete, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, before the deformed part 133,143 is deformed by caulking or riveting (before the insertion part 175is compressed by the compression force) the insulating insertion part175 has an outer peripheral surface 175 f including an outer taperedsurface 175 c having a diameter decreasing toward the distal end 175 b.Furthermore, before the insertion part 175 is compressed, the receivingspace R1 is formed annularly between the outer tapered surface 175 c andthe hole inner peripheral surface 113 r (113 s) defining the throughhole 113 h (through hole 113 k) of the case lid 113. This receivingspace R1 allows the insertion part 175 to be deformed into a shape thatreduces the compression stress (the compression force applied to theinsertion part 175 in the direction of the axis AX) acting on theinsulating insertion part 175 when compressed, and receives a resultantextruded, or deformed, portion (a deformed portion 175 d, see FIG. 3).

Accordingly, when the insulating insertion part 175 is compressed by thecompression force, the portion including the outer tapered surface 175c, of the insertion part 175, is deformed toward the receiving space R1(radially outward of the insulating insertion part 175) and received inthe receiving space R1. Specifically, the portion including the outertapered surface 175 c, of the insulating insertion part 175, is deformedin a direction to escape from the compression force (in a direction toreduce the compression stress acting on the insulating insertion part175) and received in the receiving space R1. This can reduce thecompression stress acting on the insulating insertion part 175.

Consequently, when the deformed part 133, 143 is deformed by caulking orriveting, the compression force can be appropriately applied to thefirst interposed part 171 interposed between the seat part 131, 141 andthe case lid 113. In other word, the first interposed part 171 of thefirst insulating member 170 can be held and compressed between the seatpart 131, 141 and the case lid 113 and thus placed in close contact withthe seat part 131, 141 and the case lid 113. This can achieveappropriate sealing between the seat part 131, 141 and the case lid 113.

Furthermore, the compression force can also be appropriately applied tothe second interposed part 183 interposed between the positive outerterminal member 137 (negative outer terminal member 147) and the caselid 113. In other words, the second interposed part 183 of the secondinsulating member 180 can be held and compressed between the positiveouter terminal member 137 (negative outer terminal member 147) and thecase lid 113 and thus placed in close contact with the positive outerterminal member 137 (negative outer terminal member 147) and the caselid 113. This can achieve appropriate sealing between the positive outerterminal member 137 (negative outer terminal member 147) and the caselid 113.

Next, a method for manufacturing the battery in Example 1 will beexplained. As shown in FIG. 11, in step S1 (a lid assembling step), theterminal-attached lid member 115 is assembled. To be concrete, therectangular plate-shaped case lid 113 is first prepared. At this time,the liquid inlet 113 n of the case lid 113 is not sealed with the plug113 m (the plug 113 m is not attached).

Furthermore, the positive connecting member 135, the positive outerterminal member 137, and the positive fastening member 139 are prepared.Also, the negative connecting member 145, the negative outer terminalmember 147, and the negative fastening member 149 are prepared. Twofirst insulating members 170 and two second insulating members 180 arefurther prepared. At that time, the deformed part 133 of the positiveconnecting member 135 and the deformed part 143 of the negativeconnecting member 145 are not deformed yet and hence have a columnarshape (seed FIGS. 4 and 5).

Subsequently, the above members are assembled integrally. Concretely,the deformed part 133 (columnar at this stage) and the insert-throughpart 132 of the positive connecting member 135 are inserted, from theirdistal ends, into the through hole 171 b of the first insulating member170, the through hole 113 h of the case lid 113, the through hole 183 bof the second insulating member 180, and through hole 137 b of thepositive outer terminal member 137 in this order (see FIGS. 4 and 5).Prior to this insertion, the head portion 139 b of the positivefastening member 139 is placed in the head portion placing part 181 ofthe second insulating member 180 and the shaft portion 139 c of thepositive fastening member 139 is inserted in the through hole 137 c ofthe positive outer terminal member 137 in advance.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a state in which each member in the samesection as in FIG. 2. In this state, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, theannular receiving space R1 is formed between the outer tapered surface175 c of the insulating insertion part 175 of the first insulatingmember 170 and the hole inner peripheral surface 113 r defining thethrough hole 113 h of the case lid 113. This receiving space R1 allowsthe insertion part 175 to be deformed into a shape that reduces thecompression stress acting on the insertion part 175 during compression(the compression force applied to the insertion part 175 in the axis AXdirection), and receives the resultant extruded portion (the deformedportion 175 b, see FIG. 3). The axial length of the insertion part 175before compression is longer than the length (depth) of the through hole113 h. In this state, a clearance Q is left between the secondinterposed part 183 of the second insulating member 180 and the uppersurface 113 p of the case lid 113 (see FIG. 6).

In this state, the deformed part 133 is then deformed by caulking(riveting), pressing the positive outer terminal member 137 downward(toward the seat part 131). Concretely, as the columnar deformed part133 is crushed downward (toward the seat part 131) into a circular diskshape, the deformed part 133 presses the positive outer terminal member137 downward (toward the seat part 133).

Accordingly, the second insulating member 180, the case lid 113, and thefirst insulating member 170 can be fixed while they are held undercompression force between the positive outer terminal member 137 and theseat part 131. At that time, the clearance Q is eliminated (ordisappears) between the second interposed part 183 and the case lid 113,so that the insulating insertion part 175 of the first insulating member170 comes to an elastically compressed state in the axial direction (inthe vertical direction in FIG. 2) under the compression force with thedistal end 175 b held in contact (close contact) with the secondinsulating member 180 (second interposed part 183).

Meanwhile, conventionally, when the second insulating member 780, thecase lid 713, and the first insulating member 770 are held between theouter terminal member 737 and the seat part 731 and subjected to thecompression force (compression force in the vertical direction in FIGS.30 and 31), as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the insulating insertion part775 receives much of the compression force (the compression stressacting on the insulating insertion part 775 increases), the firstinterposed part 771 of the first insulating member 770 could not beappropriately compressed in some cases.

In details, since the insulating insertion part 775 is longer in lengththan the through hole 713 h, before application of the compression forcethereto, the clearance Q is left between the second interposed part 783of the second insulating member 780 and the upper surface 713 p of thecase lid 713. When the compression force is applied, accordingly, theinsertion part 775 is first compressed by receiving the compressionforce. When the insertion part 775 is compressed until its lengthbecomes equal to the length of the through hole 713 h, the secondinterposed part 783 of the second insulating member 780 comes to contactwith the upper surface 713 p of the case lid 713. After this state, thefirst interposed part 771 of the first insulating member 770 starts tobe compressed through the second interposed part 783 and the case lid713.

However, at the time when the insulating insertion part 775 iscompressed until its axial length becomes equal to the length of thethrough hole 713 h, the insertion part 775 is subjected to largecompression stress (thereby generating large reacting force), and thusthe insertion part 775 could not be compressed any more by thecompression force (caulking force) in some cases. Thus, the firstinterposed part 771 of the first insulating member 770 could not beappropriately compressed. This makes it impossible to appropriately sealbetween the seat part 731 and the case lid 713.

On the other hand, in Example 1 provided with the aforementionedreceiving space R1, when the insulating insertion part 715 is compressedas above, a portion including the outer tapered surface 175 c, of theinsertion part 175, is deformed, or extruded, toward the receiving spaceR1 (radially outward of the insulating insertion part 175) and receivedin the receiving space R1 (see FIG. 3). In other words, a portion of theinsertion part 175 including the outer tapered surface 175 c is deformedin a direction to escape from the compression force (that is, in adirection to reduce the compression stress acting on the insulatinginsertion part 175) and received in the receiving space R1. This canreduce the compression stress acting on the insulating insertion part175 (thus, reduce the reaction force of the insulating insertion part175).

In the above way, even after the insulating insertion part 175 iscompressed until its axial length becomes equal to the length of thethrough hole 113 h, the insulating insertion part 175 can be furthercompressed by the compression force (caulking force). Thus, the firstinterposed part 171 of the first insulating member 170 can beappropriately compressed through the second interposed part 183 of thesecond insulating member 180 and the case lid 113. Accordingly, thefirst interposed part 171 interposed between the seat part 131 and thecase lid 113 can be appropriately subjected to the compression force. Inother words, the first interposed part 171 of the first insulatingmember 170 is sandwiched and compressed between the seat part 131 andthe case lid 113, thereby ensuring close contact of the first interposedpart 171 with the seat part 131 and the case lid 113. This canappropriately seal between the seat part 131 and the case lid 113.

Also, the second interposed part 183 interposed between the positiveouter terminal member 137 and the case lid 113 can be appropriatelysubjected to the compression force. In other words, the secondinterposed part 183 of the second insulating member 180 can besandwiched and compressed between the positive outer terminal member 137and the case lid 113, thereby ensuring close contact of the secondinterposed part 183 with the positive outer terminal member 137 and thecase lid 113. This can appropriately seal between the positive outerterminal member 137 and the case lid 113.

Moreover, the deformed part 143 and the insert-through part 142 of thenegative connecting member 145 are inserted, from their distal ends,into the through hole 171 b of the first insulating member 170, thethrough hole 113 k of the case lid 113, the through hole 183 b of thesecond insulating member 180, and the through hole 147 b of the negativeouter terminal member 147 in this order. Prior to this insertion, thehead portion 149 b of the negative fastening member 149 is placed in thehead portion placing part 181 of the second insulating member 180 andthe shaft portion 149 c of the negative fastening member 149 is insertedin the through hole 147 c of the negative outer terminal member 147 inadvance.

In this state, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the annular receiving space R1is formed between the outer tapered surface 175 c of the insulatinginsertion part 175 of the first insulating member 170 and the hole innerperipheral surface 113 s defining the through hole 113 k of the case lid113. Since the axial length of the insulating insertion part 175 beforecompression is longer than the length (depth) of the through hole 113 k,the clearance Q is left between the second interposed part 183 of thesecond insulating member 180 and the upper surface 113 p of the case lid113 (see FIG. 6).

In this state, the deformed part 143 is then deformed by caulking(riveting), pressing the negative outer terminal member 147 downward(toward the seat part 141). Concretely, as the columnar deformed part143 is crushed downward (toward the seat part 141) into a circular diskshape, the deformed part 143 presses the negative outer terminal member147 downward (toward the seat part 141).

Accordingly, the second insulating member 180, the case lid 113, and thefirst insulating member 170 can be fixed while they are held undercompression force between the negative outer terminal member 147 and theseat part 141. At that time, the clearance Q is eliminated between thesecond interposed part 183 and the case lid 113, so that the insulatinginsertion part 175 of the first insulating member 170 comes to anelastically compressed state in the axial direction (in the verticaldirection in FIG. 2) under the compression force with the distal end 175b held in contact (close contact) with the second insulating member 180(second interposed part 183).

Meanwhile, in Example 1 provided with the aforementioned receiving spaceR1, when the insulating insertion part 715 is compressed as above, aportion of the insertion part 175 including the outer tapered surface175 c is deformed, or extruded, toward the receiving space R1 (radiallyoutward of the insulating insertion part 175) and received in thereceiving space R1 (see FIG. 3). This can reduce the compression stressacting on the insulating insertion part 175 (thus, reduce the reactionforce of the insulating insertion part 175). Consequently, the firstinterposed part 171 of the first insulating member 170 can beappropriately compressed through the second interposed part 183 of thesecond insulating member 180 and the case lid 113.

Thus, the first interposed part 171 interposed between the seat part 141and the case lid 113 can be appropriately subjected to the compressionforce. In other words, the first interposed part 171 of the f insulatingmember 170 can be sandwiched and compressed between the seat part 141and the case lid 113, thereby ensuring close contact of the firstinterposed part 171 with the seat part 141 and the case lid 113. Thiscan appropriately seal between the seat part 141 and the case lid 113.

Also, the second interposed part 183 interposed between the negativeouter terminal member 147 and the case lid 113 can be appropriatelysubjected to the compression force. In other words the second interposedpart 183 of the second insulating member 180 can be sandwiched andcompressed between the negative outer terminal member 147 and the caselid 113, thereby ensuring close contact of the second interposed part183 with the negative outer terminal member 147 and the case lid 113.This can appropriately seal between the negative outer terminal member147 and the case lid 113.

By deforming, or riveting, the deformed part 133, 143 is deformed bycaulking as above, the case lid 113, the positive terminal member 130,the negative terminal member 140, the first insulating members 170, 170,and the second insulating members 180, 180 are integrally assembled,forming the terminal-attached lid member 115.

Subsequently, in step S2 (an electrode body forming step), the electrodebody 150 is produced. Concretely, the positive mixture layer 152containing the positive active material 153 is first formed on eachsurface of the positive substrate 151 made of a strip-shaped aluminumfoil to make the positive electrode sheet 155 (see FIG. 8). Separately,the negative mixture layer 159 containing the negative active material154 is formed on each surface of the negative substrate 158 made of astrip-shaped copper foil to make the negative electrode sheet 156 (seeFIG. 9).

Thereafter, the negative electrode sheet 156, the separator 157, thepositive electrode sheet 155, and the separator 157 are overlapped inthis order and wound together (see FIG. 10). In detail, these negativeelectrode sheet 156, separator 157, positive electrode sheet 155, andseparator 157 are wound together in a flattened shape so that thepositive mixture layer uncoated portion 15 lb of the positive electrodesheet 155 and the negative mixture layer uncoated portion 158 b of thenegative electrode sheet 156 are located on opposite sides in the widthdirection (the lateral direction in FIG. 10). The electrode body 150 isthus produced (see FIG. 7). The number of turns for winding is 30, forexample.

In step S3 (a welding step), successively, the electrode body connectingpart 134 of the positive connecting member 135 is welded to the positivemixture layer uncoated portion 151 b of the electrode body 150. Inaddition, the electrode body connecting part 144 of the negativeconnecting member 145 is welded to the negative mixture layer uncoatedportion 158 b of the electrode body 150. Accordingly, the positiveterminal member 130 and the positive electrode sheet 155 areelectrically connected to each other and the negative terminal member140 and the negative electrode sheet 156 are electrically connected toeach other, thereby assembling the terminal-attached lid member 115 andthe electrode body 150 into one unit.

In step S4 (an enclosing step), the electrode body 150 is enclosed inthe case body 111 and then the opening 111 d of the case body 111 isclosed with the case lid 113. In step S5 (a sealing step), the case lid113 and the case body 111 in this state are bonded to each other bywelding over their entire circumference.

In step S6 (a liquid injecting step), thereafter, an electrolyte (notshown) is injected into the case body 111 through the liquid inlet 113 nof the case lid 113, so that the electrolyte is impregnated in theelectrode body 150. Then, the liquid inlet 113 n of the case lid 113 issealed with the plug 113 m. Through a predetermined process subsequentlyperformed, the battery 100 (see FIG. 1) in Example 1 is completed.

Example 2

A battery 200 (a terminal-attached lid member 215) in Example 2 isidentical to the battery 100 (terminal-attached lid member 115) inExample 1 except for the configurations of the insulating insertion partof the first insulating member and the receiving space. Thus, thefollowing explanation is given with a focus on the differences fromExample 1 and identical or similar points are not explained or arebriefly explained.

The insulating insertion part 175 in Example 1 has, as mentioned above,the outer peripheral surface 175 f including the outer tapered surface175 c having a diameter decreasing toward the distal end 175 b of theinsertion part 175 before the deformed part 133, 143 is deformed bycaulking (before the insertion part 175 is compressed by the compressionforce) (see FIGS. 5 and 6). In contrast, an insulating insertion part275 in Example 2 has an inner peripheral surface 275 g including aninner tapered surface 275 c having a diameter increasing toward a distalend 275 b of the insertion part 275 as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 beforethe deformed part 133, 143 is deformed by caulking (before the insertionpart 275 is compressed by the compression force). A first insulatingmember 270 (the insertion part 275) is made of resin that is moredeformable by compression (softer) in an axial direction than the secondinsulating member 180.

In Example 2, therefore, before the insulating insertion part 275 iscompressed, an annular receiving space R2 is present between the innertapered surface 275 c and an outer peripheral surface 132 b of theinsert-through part 132 of the positive connecting member 135 (an outerperipheral surface 142 b of the insert-through part 142 of the negativeconnecting member 145). This receiving space R2 allows the insertionpart 275 to be deformed into a shape that reduces the compression stressacting on the insertion part 275 when compressed (the compression forceapplied to the insulating insertion part 275 in the axis AX direction),and receives a resultant extruded portion (a deformed portion 275 d, seeFIGS. 12 and 13).

Accordingly, when the insulating insertion part 275 is compressed by thecompression force, a portion including the inner tapered surface 275 c,of this insertion part 275, is deformed toward the receiving space R2(radially inward of the insulating insertion part 275) and received inthe receiving space R2 (see FIGS. 12 and 13). Specifically, a portion ofthe insulating insertion part 275 including the inner tapered surface275 c is deformed in a direction to escape from the compression force(in a direction to reduce the compression stress acting on theinsulating insertion part 275) and received in the receiving space R2.This can reduce the compression stress acting on the insulatinginsertion part 275.

Consequently, in step S1 (a lid assembling step), similarly to Example1, when the deformed part 133, 143 is deformed by caulking, thecompression force can be appropriately applied to the first interposedpart 271 interposed between the seat part 131, 141 and the case lid 113.In other words, the first interposed part 271 of the first insulatingmember 270 can be held and compressed between the seat part 131, 141 andthe case lid 113 and thus placed in close contact with the seat part131, 141 and the case lid 113. This can appropriately seal between theseat part 131, 141 and the case lid 113.

Also, similarly to Example 1, appropriate compression force can beapplied to the second interposed part 183 interposed between thepositive outer terminal member 137 (negative outer terminal member 147)and the case lid 113. In other words, the second interposed part 183 ofthe second insulating member 180 can be held and compressed between thepositive outer terminal member 137 (negative outer terminal member 147)and thus placed in close contact with the positive outer terminal member137 (negative outer terminal member 147) and the case lid 113. This canappropriately seal between the positive outer terminal member 137(negative outer terminal member 147) and the case lid 113.

Example 3

A battery 300 (a terminal-attached lid member 315) in Example 3 isidentical to the battery 100 (the terminal-attached lid member 115) inExample 1 except for the configurations of the insulating insertion partof the first insulating member, the case lid, and the receiving space.The following explanation is given with a focus on the differences fromExample 1 and similar or identical points are not explained or brieflyexplained.

The insulating insertion part 175 in Example 1 has, as mentioned above,the outer peripheral surface 175 f including the outer tapered surface175 c having a diameter decreasing toward the distal end 175 b of theinsulating insertion part 175 before the deformed part 133, 143 isdeformed by caulking (before the insertion part 175 is compressed by thecompression force) (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

In contrast, an insulating insertion part 375 in Example 3 has acylindrical shape having a uniform thickness without including a taperedsurface and extending in the axial direction (in a direction along theaxis AX) as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 before the deformed part 133, 143is deformed by caulking (before the insertion part 375 is compressed bythe compression force). A first insulating member 370 (the insulatinginsertion part 375) is made of resin that is more deformable bycompression (softer) in the axial direction than the second insulatingmember 180. A case lid 313 in Example 3, differently from the case lid113 in Example 1, has a hole inner peripheral surface 313 r (313 s)defining a through hole 313 h (through hole 313 k) and including a holetapered surface 313 t having a diameter increasing toward an uppersurface 313 p of the case lid 313.

In Example 3, therefore, before the insulating insertion part 375 iscompressed, an annular receiving space R3 is present between the holetapered surface 313 t and an outer peripheral surface 375 f of theinsertion part 375. This allows the insertion part 375 to be deformedinto a shape that reduces the compression stress acting on the insertionpart 375 when compressed (the compression force applied to the insertionpart 375 in the axis AX direction), and receives a resultant extrudedportion (a deformed portion 375 d, see FIGS. 16 and 17).

Accordingly, when the insulating insertion part 375 is compressed by thecompression force, a part of the insertion part 375 is deformed towardthe receiving space R3 (radially outward of the insertion part 375) andreceived in the receiving space R3 (see FIGS. 16 and 17). In otherwords, a portion of the insertion part 375 is deformed in a direction toescape from the compression force (that is, in a direction to reduce thecompression stress acting on the insertion part 375) and received in thereceiving space R3. This can reduce the compression stress acting on theinsertion part 375.

Therefore, in step S1 (a lid assembling step), similarly to Example 1,when the deformed part 133, 143 is deformed by caulking (riveting), thecompression force can be appropriately applied to the first interposedpart 371 interposed between the seat part 131, 141 and the case lid 313.In other words, the first interposed part 371 of the first insulatingmember 370 can be held and compressed between the seat part 131, 141 andthe case lid 313 and thus placed in close contact with the seat part131, 141 and the case lid 313. This can appropriately seal between theseat part 131, 141 and the case lid 313.

Also, similarly to Example 1, appropriate compression force can beapplied to the second interposed part 183 interposed between thepositive outer terminal member 137 (negative outer terminal member 147)and the case lid 313. In other words, the second interposed part 183 ofthe second insulating member 180 can be held and compressed between thepositive outer terminal member 137 (negative outer terminal member 147)and the case lid 313 and thus placed in close contact with the positiveouter terminal member 137 (negative outer terminal member 147) and thecase lid 313. This can appropriately seal between the positive outerterminal member 137 (negative outer terminal member 147) and the caselid 313.

Example 4

A battery 400 (a terminal-attached lid member 415) in Example 4 isidentical to the battery 100 (terminal-attached lid member 115) inExample 1 except for the configurations of the insulating insertion partof the first insulating member, the insert-through parts of the positiveconnecting member and the negative connecting member, and the receivingspace. The following explanation is given with a focus on thedifferences from Example 1 and similar or identical points are notexplained or briefly explained.

Example 4 uses the first insulating member 370 identical to that inExample 3. The insulating insertion part 375 of this first insulatingmember 370 has a cylindrical shape having a uniform thickness andextending in the axial direction (in a direction along the axis AX) asshown in FIGS. 22 and 23 before the deformed part 433, 443 is deformedby caulking (riveting) (before the insertion part 375 is compressed bythe compression force).

An insert-through part 432 of the positive connecting member 435 inExample 4 has, different from the insert-through part 132 in Example 1,an outer peripheral surface 432 b formed with an insert-through recess432 c recessed radially inward. This recess 432 c is formed annularlyextending along the entire circumference of the outer peripheral surface432 b of the insert-through part 432. An insert-through part 442 of anegative connecting member 445 in Example 4 also has an outer peripheralsurface 442 b formed an insert-through recess 442 c recessed radiallyinward. This recess 442 c is also formed annularly extending along theentire circumference of the outer peripheral surface 442 b of theinsert-through part 442 (see FIGS. 22 and 23).

In Example 4, therefore, before the insulating insertion part 375 iscompressed, a receiving space R4 is formed by the recess 432 c, 442 c(see FIGS. 22 and 23). This receiving space R4 (the recess 432 c, 442 c)allows the insulating insertion part 375 to be deformed into a shapethat reduces the compression stress acting on the insertion part 375when compressed (the compression force applied to the insertion part 375in the axis AX direction), and receives a resultant extruded portion (adeformed portion 375 d) (see FIGS. 20 and 21).

Accordingly, when the insulating insertion part 375 is compressed by thecompression force, a portion of the insertion part 375 is deformedtoward the receiving space R4 (radially inward of the insulatinginsertion part 375) and received in the receiving space R4 (see fugs, 20and 21). In other words, a portion of the insertion part 375 is deformedin a direction to escape from the compression force (that is, in adirection to reduce the compression stress acting on the insulatinginsertion part 375) and received in the receiving space R4 (i.e., theinsert-through recess 432 c, 442 c). This can reduce the compressionstress acting on the insulating insertion part 375.

Therefore, in step S1 (a lid assembling step), similarly to Example 1,when the deformed part 433, 443 is deformed by caulking (riveting), thecompression force can be appropriately applied to the first interposedpart 371 interposed between the seat part 431, 441 and the case lid 113.In other words, the first interposed part 371 of the first insulatingmember 370 can be held and compressed between the seat part 431, 441 andthe case lid 113 and thus placed in close contact with the seat part431, 441 and the case lid 113. This can appropriately seal between theseat part 431, 441 and the case lid 113.

Also, similarly to Example 1, appropriate compression force can beapplied to the second interposed part 183 interposed between thepositive outer terminal member 137 (negative outer terminal member 147)and the case lid 113. In other words, the second interposed part 183 ofthe second insulating member 180 can be held and compressed between thepositive outer terminal member 137 (negative outer terminal member 147)and the case lid 113, and thus placed in close contact with the positiveouter terminal member 137 (negative outer terminal member 147) and thecase lid 113. This can appropriately seal between the positive outerterminal member 137 (negative outer terminal member 147) and the caselid 113.

Example 5

A battery 500 (a terminal-attached lid member 515) in Example 5 isidentical to the battery 100 (terminal-attached lid member 115) inExample 1 except for the configurations of the insulating insertion partof the first insulating member, the second insulating member, and thereceiving space. The following explanation is given with a focus on thedifferences from Example 1 and similar or identical points are notexplained or briefly explained.

Example 5 uses the first insulating member 370 identical to that inExample 3. The insulating insertion part 375 of this first insulatingmember 370 has a cylindrical shape with a uniform thickness andextending in the axial direction (in a direction along the axis AX) asshown in FIGS. 26 and 27 before the deformed part 133, 143 is deformedby caulking (before the insertion part 375 is compressed by thecompression force).

A second insulating member 580 in Example 5 is configured, differentfrom the second insulating member 180 in Example 1, such that a secondinterposed part 583 includes a facing surface 583 c that faces thedistal end 375 b of the insulating insertion part 375 in the axialdirection (in a direction along the axis AX) and includes an insulatingrecess 583 d recessed in the axial direction (upward in FIGS. 26 and27). This recess 583 d is formed in an annular form extending over theentire circumference of the annular facing surface 583 c. The firstinsulating member 370 (insulating insertion part 375) is made of resinthat is more deformable by compression (softer) in the axial directionthan the second insulating member 580.

In Example 5, therefore, before the insulating insertion part 375 iscompressed, receiving space R5 is formed by the insulating recess 583 d(see FIGS. 26 and 27). This receiving space R5 (the recess 583 d) allowsthe insertion part 375 to be deformed into a shape that reduces thecompression stress acting on the insertion part 375 (the compressionforce applied to the insertion part 375 in the axis AX direction) whencompressed, and receives a resultant extruded portion (a deformedportion 375 d) (see FIGS. 24 and 25).

Accordingly, when the insulating insertion part 375 is compressed by thecompression force, a portion of a distal end portion 375 g of theinsertion part 375 is deformed toward the receiving space R5 (toward theinsulating recess 583 d) and received in the receiving space R5 (therecess 583 d). In other words, a portion of the insertion part 375 isdeformed in a direction to escape from the compression force (in adirection to reduce the compression stress acting on the insertion part375) and received in the receiving space R5 (i.e., the recess 583 d).

Therefore, in step S1 (a lid assembling step), similarly to Example 1,when the deformed part 133, 143 is deformed by caulking (riveting), thecompression force can be appropriately applied to the first interposedpart 371 interposed between the seat part 131, 141 and the case lid 113.In other words, the first interposed part 371 of the first insulatingmember 370 can be held and compressed between the seat part 131, 141 andthe case lid 113 and thus placed in close contact with the seat part131, 141 and the case lid 113. This can appropriately seal between theseat part 131, 141 and the case lid 113.

Also, similarly to Example 1, appropriate compression force can beapplied to the second interposed part 583 interposed between thepositive outer terminal member 137 (negative outer terminal member 147)and the case lid 113. In other words, the second interposed part 583 ofthe second insulating member 580 can be held and compressed between thepositive outer terminal member 137 (negative outer terminal member 147)and the case lid 113, and thus placed in close contact with the positiveouter terminal member 137 (negative outer terminal member 147) and thecase lid 113. This can appropriately seal between the positive outerterminal member 137 (negative outer terminal member 147) and the caselid 113.

In the above description, the present invention is explained in Examples1 to 5 but is not limited to the above examples. The invention may beembodied in other specific forms without departing from the essentialcharacteristics thereof.

In Examples 1 to 5, for instance, the receiving spaces R1 to R5 areformed respectively. As an alternative, the receiving spaces may becombined. To be concrete, for example, a battery may be provided withthe receiving spaces R1 and R2. This is configured such that theinsulating insertion part includes the outer tapered surface in theouter peripheral surface and also the inner tapered surface in the innerperipheral surface, thereby providing the receiving space R1 between theouter tapered surface and the hole inner peripheral surface of the caselid and also the receiving space R2 between the inner tapered surfaceand the outer peripheral surface of the insert-through part. As analternative, a battery may be provided with the receiving spaces R3 andR4. This is configured such that the case lid includes the hole taperedsurface in a hole inner peripheral surface and also the insert-throughpart includes the insert-through recess in the outer peripheral surface,thereby providing the receiving space R3 between the hole taperedsurface and the outer peripheral surface of the insulating insertionpart and also the receiving space R4 in the insert-through recess.

Examples 1 to 5 exemplify the configurations that the insulatinginsertion parts 175 to 375 are provided in the first insulating members170 to 370. As an alternative, the second insulating member may beprovided with an insulating insertion part. To be concrete, in Example1, for instance, the outer tapered surface 175 is provided in theinsulating insertion part 175 of the first insulating member 170.Instead of providing the insulating insertion part 175 in the firstinsulating member 170, alternatively, an insulating insertion part maybe provided in the second insulating member 180 to form an outer taperedsurface in an outer peripheral surface of the insulating insertion partof the second insulating member 180.

In Examples 1 to 5, the deformed part 133, 143 is used as the fixingunit. As an alternative, for example, the fixing unit may be provided asa fixing bolt including a shaft portion with male screw threads and ahead portion. In this case, a distal end portion of the insert-throughpart 132, 142 is formed in a cylindrical shape formed with female screwthreads in an inner peripheral surface instead of providing the deformedpart 133, 143. More concretely, after the insert-through part 132, 142is inserted, from its distal end, into the through hole 171 b of thefirst insulating member 170, the through hole 113 h, 113 k of the caselid 113, the through hole 183 b of the second insulating member 180, andthe through hole 137 b, 147 b of the outer terminal member 137, 147 inthis order, the male screw threads of the fixing bolt are threaded intothe female screw threads of the insert-through part, thereby causing thehead portion of the fixing bolt to press the outer terminal member 137,147 downward (toward the seat part 131, 141). Accordingly, the secondinsulating member 180, the case lid 113, and the first insulating member170 can be fixed as being sandwiched under compression force between theouter terminal member 137, 147 and the seat part 131, 141. As a battery600 in a first modified example shown in FIG. 28, it may be arrangedsuch that a positive connecting member 635 and a negative connectingmember 645 are formed with male screw threads 632 b and 642 b in outerperipheral surfaces of distal end portions of insert-through parts 632and 642, respectively, and nuts 655 having female screw threadsengageable with the male screw threads 632 b and 642 b are used as afixing unit. More concretely, the insert-through part 632, 642 isinserted, from its distal end, into the through hole 171 b of the firstinsulating member 170, the through hole 113 h, 113 k of the case lid113, the through hole 183 b of the second insulating member 180, and thethrough hole 137 b, 147 b of the outer terminal member 137, 147 in thisorder so that the male screw threads 632, 642 protrude out of thethrough hole 137 b, 147 b of the outer terminal member 137, 147. In thisstate, the female screw threads of the nut 655 are threadedly engagedwith the male screw threads 632 b, 642 b of the insert-through part 632,642, thereby causing the nut 655 to press the outer terminal member 137,147 downward (toward the seat part 631, 641). This can fix the secondinsulating member 180, case lid 113, and first insulating member 170held under compression force between the outer terminal member 137, 147and the seat part 631, 641.

As a battery 800 in a second modified example shown in FIG. 29,alternatively, the fixing unit may be provided in the form of a weldedpart W of the insert-through part 132, 142 and the outer terminal member137, 147 instead of providing the deformed part 133, 143. Concretely,the insert-through part 132, 142 is inserted, from its distal end, intothe through hole 171 b of the first insulating member 170, the throughhole 113 h, 113 k of the case lid 113, the through hole 183 b of thesecond insulating member 180, and the through hole 137 b, 147 b of theouter terminal member 137, 147, and then, while the second insulatingmember 180, the case lid 113, and the first insulating member 170 areheld under compression force between the outer terminal member 137, 147,and the seat part 131, 141, the insert-through part 132, 142 and theouter terminal member 137, 147 are welded to each other (e.g., weldingover the entire circumference) (thereby forming the welded part W) tofix them.

In Example 2, before the insulating insertion part 275 is compressed,the receiving space R2 is formed between the inner tapered surface 275 cand the outer peripheral surface 132 b of the insert-through part 132 ofthe positive connecting member 135 (outer peripheral surface 142 b ofthe insert-through part 142 of the negative connecting member 145) (seeFIGS. 14 and 15). In Example 2, this receiving space R2 allows theinsulating insertion part 275 to be deformed into a shape that reducesthe compression stress acting on the insulating insertion part 275 whencompressed (the compression force applied to the insulating insertionpart 275 in the axis AX direction) and receive the resultant extrudedportion (the deformed portion 275 d, see FIGS. 12 and 13).

However, this receiving space R2 may be configured to allow the secondinterposed part 183 of the second insulating member 180 (particularly,an insulating contact part 183 f (a portion of the second interposedpart 183 of the second insulating member 180, which contacts with thedistal end 275 b of the insulating insertion part 275) and an insulatingadjacent part 183 g adjacent on a radially inward side to the contactpart 183 f) to be deformed into a shape that reduces the compressionstress acting on the insulating contact part 183 f when the insulatingcontact part 183 f is compressed, thereby receiving a resultant extrudedportion. The insulation adjacent part 183 g corresponds to a portionexposed to (facing) the receiving space R2.

The above configuration may be applied to, for example, when theinsulating contact part 183 f is to be compressed, thereby making thesecond interposed part 183 of the second insulating member 180 contact(close contact) with the upper surface 113 p of the case lid 113, andthe first interposed part 271 of the first insulating member 270 is tobe compressed through the second interposed part 183 and the case lid113. In this case, the second insulating member 180 is preferably madeof resin more deformable by compression (softer) in the axial directionthan the first insulating member 270 (insulating insertion part 275).

In this case, conventionally, the insulating contact part 783 f of thesecond insulating member 780 receives much of the compression force (thecompression stress acting on the insulating contact part 783 fincreases), and thus the first interposed part 771 of the firstinsulating member 770 could not be appropriately compressed (see FIGS.30 and 31). In detail, before the second interposed part 783 comes intoclose contact with the upper surface 713 p of the case lid 713 and thefirst interposed part 771 is subjected to the compression stress, theinsulating contact part 783 f is in a state subjected to largecompression stress (thereby generating large reaction force), theinsulating contact part 783 f could not be compressed any more by thecompression force (caulking force). Thus, the first interposed part 771could not be appropriately compressed in some cases.

In contrast, when the aforementioned receiving space R2 is provided inadvance, when the insulating contact part 183 f is compressed, thereceiving space R2 can receive a part of the second interposed part 183(the deformed portion) and reduce the compression stress acting on theinsulating contact part 183 f. This makes it possible to bring thesecond interposed part 183 of the second insulating member 180 incontact (close contact) with the upper surface 113 p of the case lid 113and also compress the first interposed part 271 of the first insulatingmember 270 through the second interposed part 183 and the case lid 113.

Accordingly, as in Example 1, in step S1 (a lid assembling step), whenthe deformed part 133, 143 is deformed by caulking (riveting), thecompression force can be appropriately applied to the first interposedpart 271 interposed between the seat part 131, 141 and the case lid 113.In other words, the first interposed part 271 of the first insulatingmember 270 can be held and compressed between the seat part 131, 141 andthe case lid 113 and thus placed in close contact with the seat part131, 141 and the case lid 113. This can appropriately seal between theseat part 131, 141 and the case lid 113.

Further, as in Example 1, the compression force can also be applied tothe second interposed part 183 interposed between the positive outerterminal member 137 (negative outer terminal member 147) and the caselid 113. In other words, the second interposed part 183 of the secondinsulating member 180 can be held and compressed between the positiveouter terminal member 137 (negative outer terminal member 147) and thecase lid 113 and thus placed in close contact with the positive outerterminal member 137 (negative outer terminal member 147) and the caselid 113. This can appropriately seal between the positive outer terminalmember 137 (negative outer terminal member 147) and the case lid 113.

In Example 4, as the receiving space R4 for receiving part of theinsulating insertion part 375 (deformed portion 375 d), theinsert-through recess 432 c, 442 c is formed in the outer peripheralsurface 432 b, 442 b of the insert-through part 432, 442 (see FIGS. 22and 23). However, in addition to or instead of this, anotherinsert-through recess, configured like the insert-through recess 432 c,442 c, may be formed as second receiving space for receiving part of thesecond interposed part 183 (a deformed part) in a portion of the outerperipheral surface 432 b, 442 b of the insert-through part 432, 442,which faces to the hole inner peripheral surface defining the throughhole 183 b of the second interposed part 183. When the insulatingcontact part (a portion of the second insulating member 180 whichcontacts with the distal end 375 b of the insulating insertion part 375)is compressed, accordingly, part of the second interposed part 183 (thedeformed part) can be received in the second receiving space, therebyreducing the compression stress acting on the insulating contact part.

In Example 1, the outer tapered surface 175 c is formed in the outerperipheral surface 175 f of the insulating insertion part 175 and thereceiving space R1 is formed between the outer tapered surface 175 c andthe hole inner peripheral surface 113 r (113 s) of the case lid 113. Asan alternative, the outer peripheral surface 175 f (a part thereof) isnot limited to a tapered surface but may be formed in any shape capableof forming receiving space between the outer peripheral surface 175 fand the hole inner peripheral surface 113 r (113 s) of the case lid 113.The same applies to Examples 2 and 3.

In Example 4, the receiving space R4 is formed as the annularinsert-through recess 432 c recessed radially inward in the outerperipheral surface of the insert-through part 432. However, thereceiving space R4 is not limited to such a configuration (the annularrecess). As an alternative, the outer peripheral surface 432 b of theinsert-through part 432 may be designed suitably to form the receivingspace between the outer peripheral surface 432 b of the insert-throughpart 432 and the insulating insertion part 375. The same applies toExample 5 (not limited to the annular recess).

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 800 Battery-   110 Battery case-   111 Case body-   111 b Bottom-   111 d Opening-   113, 313 Case lid-   113 b Lower surface-   113 h, 113 k, 313 h, 313 k Through hole-   113 p, 313 p Upper surface-   113 r, 113 s, 313 r, 313 s Hole inner peripheral surface-   115, 215, 315, 415, 515 Terminal-attached lid member-   130 Positive terminal member (Electrode terminal member)-   131, 141, 431, 441, 631, 641 Seat part-   131 b, 141 b Lower surface-   131 f, 141 f Upper surface-   131 g, 141 g Outer peripheral surface-   132, 142, 432, 442, 632, 642 Insert-through part-   132 b, 142 b, 432 b, 442 b Outer peripheral surface-   133, 143, 433, 443 Deformed part (Fixing unit)-   134, 144 Electrode body connecting part-   135, 435, 635 Positive connecting member (Electrode connecting    member)-   137 Positive outer terminal member (outer terminal member)-   139 Positive fastening member-   140 Negative terminal member (Electrode terminal member)-   145, 445, 645 Negative connecting member (Electrode connecting    member)-   147 Negative outer terminal member (Outer terminal member)-   149 Negative fastening member-   150 Electrode body-   155 Positive electrode sheet-   156 Negative electrode sheet-   157 Separator-   170, 270, 370 First insulating member-   171, 271, 371 First interposed part-   171 b Through hole-   175, 275, 375 Insulating insertion part-   175 b, 275 b, 375 b Distal end-   175 c Outer tapered surface-   175 d, 275 d, 375 d Deformed portion-   175 f, 375 f Outer peripheral surface-   180, 580 Second insulating member-   183, 583 Second interposed part-   183 f Insulation contact part-   275 c Inner tapered surface-   275 g Inner peripheral surface-   313 t Hole tapered surface-   375 g Distal end portion-   432 c, 442 c Insert-through recess-   583 c Facing surface-   583 d Insulating recess-   655 Nut (Fixing unit)-   W Weld portion (Fixing unit)-   R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 Receiving space

1. A battery including: a box-shaped case body having an opening; anelectrode body enclosed in the case body; a plate-shaped case lidclosing the opening of the case body; an electrode connecting memberincluding a seat part located in the case body, an insert-through parthaving a columnar shape protruding from an upper surface of the seatpart and extending through a through hole formed in the case lid tooutside, and an electrode body connecting part extending from a lowersurface of the seat part toward a bottom of the case body, andconfigured to electrically connect to the electrode; a first insulatingmember having an electrically insulating property and including a firstinterposed part interposed between the upper surface of the seat partand a lower surface of the case lid; an outer terminal member locatedoutside the case body and on an upper surface side of the case lid, andconfigured to electrically connect to the electrode connecting member; asecond insulating member having an electrically insulating property andincluding a second interposed part interposed between the outer terminalmember and the upper surface of the case lid; and a fixing unit to fixthe second insulating member, the case lid, and the first insulatingmember held under compression force between the outer terminal memberand the seat part, wherein one of the first insulating member and thesecond insulating member includes an insulating insertion part having acylindrical shape and being inserted in the through hole of the case lidto surround the insert-through part of the electrode connecting member,the insulating insertion part having a distal end held in contact withan insulating contact part of the other insulating member, at least oneof the insulating insertion part and the insulating contact part is in acompressed state by the compression force in an axial direction of theinsulating insertion part, before at least one of the insulatinginsertion part and the insulating contact part is compressed by thecompression force, at least one of the first insulating member, thesecond insulating member, the case lid, and the insert-through partprovides at least either one of a receiving space allowing theinsulating insertion part to be deformed into a shape that reducescompression stress acting on the insulating insertion part when theinsulating insertion part is compressed and receiving a resultantdeformed portion and a receiving space allowing the insulating memberincluding the insulating contact part to be deformed into a shape thatreduces compression stress acting on the insulating contact part whenthe insulating contact part is compressed and receiving a resultantdeformed portion, and the deformed portion of at least one of theinsulating insertion part and the insulating contact part compressed bythe compression force is received in the receiving space.
 2. The batteryaccording to claim 1, wherein the insulating insertion part beforecompressed by the compression force has an outer peripheral surfaceincluding an outer tapered surface having a diameter decreasing towardthe distal end of the insulating insertion part, before the insulatinginsertion part is compressed, the receiving space is formed between theouter tapered surface and a hole inner peripheral surface defining thethrough hole of the case lid, to allow the insulating insertion part tobe deformed into a shape that reduces the compression stress acting onthe insulating insertion part when the insulating insertion part iscompressed and receive a resultant deformed portion, and a portionincluding the outer tapered surface, of the insulating insertion partcompressed by the compression force, is deformed toward and received inthe receiving space.
 3. The battery according to claim 1, wherein theinsulating insertion part before compressed by the compression force hasan inner peripheral surface including an inner tapered surface having adiameter increasing toward the distal end of the insulating insertionpart, before the insulating insertion part is compressed, the receivingspace is formed between the inner tapered surface and the insert-throughpart of the electrode connecting member to allow the insulatinginsertion part to be deformed into a shape that reduces the compressionstress acting on the insulating insertion part when the insulatinginsertion part is compressed and receive a resultant deformed portion,and a portion including the inner tapered surface, of the insulatinginsertion part compressed by the compression force, is deformed towardand received in the receiving space.
 4. The battery according to claim1, wherein a hole inner peripheral surface defining the through hole ofthe case lid includes a hole tapered surface having a diameterincreasing toward the upper surface of the case lid, before theinsulating insertion part is compressed, the receiving space is formedbetween the hole tapered surface and the outer peripheral surface of theinsulating insertion part to allow the insulating insertion part to bedeformed into a shape that reduces the compression stress acting on theinsulating insertion part when the insulating insertion part iscompressed and receive a resultant deformed portions, and a portion ofthe insulating insertion part compressed by the compression force isdeformed toward and received in the receiving space.
 5. The batteryaccording to claim 1, wherein an outer peripheral surface of theinsert-through part of the connecting member includes an insert-throughrecess recessed radially inward, the insert-through recess forms thereceiving space allowing the insulating insertion part to be deformedinto a shape that reduces the compression stress acting on theinsulating insertion part when the insulating insertion part iscompressed and receiving a resultant deformed portion, and a portion ofthe insulating insertion part compressed by the compression force isdeformed toward and received in the insert-through recess.
 6. Thebattery according to claim 1, wherein one of the first insulating memberand the second insulating member, which does not include the insulatinginsertion part, has a facing surface that faces the distal end of theinsulating insertion part in the axial direction, the facing surfaceincluding an insulating recess recessed in the axial direction beforethe insulating insertion part is compressed, before the insulatinginsertion part is compressed, the insulating recess forms the receivingspace allowing the insulating insertion part to be deformed into a shapethat reduces the compression stress acting on the insulating insertionpart when the insulating insertion part is compressed and receiving aresultant deformed portion, and the distal end of the insulatinginsertion part compressed by the compression force is deformed towardand received in the insulating recess.